Deulofeu is keen to return to Merseyside, this time on a permanent basis. The 21-year-old was on loan with Sevilla last season, but struggled to establish himself as a regular for the Europa League winners.

It is understood that negotiations are already significantly advanced, and that a deal could be announced as early as next week. A buy-back option will be included in Deulofeu’s three-year contract, allowing Barcelona the chance to take him back to Camp Nou at the end of each of the next two seasons, for a pre-agreed fee.

Deulofeu made 29 appearances for Everton in 2013/14, scoring four times. He will become the club’s second signing of the summer, after the free transfer capture of Tom Cleverley.